Q:What's the SV?
A:The "Verein Fur Deutsche Shaferhunde" or SV, is a single-breed registry and the parent club for German Shepherd Dogs. The SV is responsible for the Standard, and the rules for the process of the classification of the breed. In addition, the SV sets the procedures and regulations or "Korordnung" for the breed survey.

All SV rules and requirements are acknowledged and followed by the German clubs (VDH) and international clubs (FCI), including clubs in the United States for German Shepherd Dogs from foreign bloodlines.

Conceived in 1899, the German Shepherd Dog breed standard was drawn up following suggestions by A. Meyer and Max von Stephanitz, for the structure, temperament, and character. Beginning with Shepherds herding the sheep to Watchdogs, and a planned breeding program based on this standard, the club was established with the goal of producing a high performance working dog.

Q: What is the "Korordnung"?
A:"Korordnung" are the breed survey regulations of the SV. Their purpose is to set the requirements for selection from the breed registry of the SV, a number of dogs that in their character, performance, and anatomical construction appear suitable for the conservation and improvement of the breed. Only such dogs are sanctioned for breeding, and only their off-spring are allowed to be shown, titled,
and registered with the SV.

Q:What is the Standard established by the SV?
A:

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) that corresponds to the Standard offers the observer a picture of rugged strength, intelligence and agility, whose overall proportions are neither in excess or deficient in any way.

The way that he moves and behaves leaves no doubt that he is sound in mind and body and possesses physical and mental traits that render possible an ever-ready working dog with great stamina.

With an effervecent temperament, the dog must be cooperative adapting to every situation, and take to work willingly and joyfully. He must show courage and hardness as the situation requires defending his handler and his property but otherwise being a fully attentive, obedient and pleasant household companion. He should be devoted to his familiar surroundings, above all to other animals and children, and composed in his conduct with people. All in all, he gives a harmonious picture of natural nobility and self-confidence.
(from: The FCI Breed Standard-The World Union of German Shepherd Dog Clubs WUSV; translated by judge Fred Lanting, 1998)

Q:What is Schutzhund?
A:Schutzhund is a German word that refers to a sport that focuses on
developing and evaluating those traits in German Shepherd Dogs that make them more useful and happier companions to their owners.

The Schutzhund Breed Evaluation, was developed to demonstrate the strong partnership between humankind and dog. As a working trial, Schutzhund measures the dog's mental stability, structural efficiencies, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage, confidence, and trainability.

The Schutzhund titles received at these trials (SchH I, SchH II, SchH III,) recognize both the human's ability to train, and the dog's ability to perform as required.

On the field, the sport offers an opportunity for dog owners to train their dogs. It is a sport enjoyed by persons of varied professions, ages, and conditions of life, even those with significant disabilities, who join together in camaraderie based on their common interest in working with their dogs. Often, it is a family sport.

Q:What is an "a"  and "ED" designation?
A:

In order to show and breed, a German Shepherd Dog must receive this "a" stamp for hip structure and, if applicable, an "ED" for elbow structure. These designations are issued after evaluation of x-ray of the dog's hips and elbows in dogs born after 2004, conducted after one year of life, and must show structurally perfect to near perfect hips and ,if applicable, elbows. German Shepherd Dogs are only recognized by the SV if they have these designations, registration papers/pedigree, a Schutzhund One title, an AD (endurance test), and a minimum quality evaluation of "Good", earned at a conformation Show - under an SV Schutzhund judge.

Q:What Do I Need To Know About My Puppy's Development? 
A:

Puppies, like all babies, develop each part of each individual in its own time frame.   Some parts mature early, some mature late.  The only certainty is that eventually it all comes together and they do become a well structured adult.

Skeletal Structure – As with all babies, puppies have soft bones and loose joints.  For this reason an age requirement is set for evaluation of hips and elbow joints.    In the USA, OFA requires that the dog be at least 2 ½ years old.   In Germany, the SV’s “a” stamp requires that the dog be at least 1 year old.

Prior to a year puppy can be easily and permanently damaged if it jumps down or steps from a high place.  Things that we may consider normal can be too much for a puppy.  The puppy may get up on, but MUST NOT E BE ALLOWED TO GET DOWN FROM.  This includes couches, chairs, steps, all vehicles (SUV, vans, trucks, and cars), etc.    Puppy must be held back from jumping to prevent injury.    Puppy should be lifted off or Puppy’s back end must be held while lowering the front end slowly down.

Q:What About Temperament?
A:

FAQ About Working Dogs

Q:

What is a Working Dog?

In his writings, Max von Stephanitz stated that the German Shepherd Dog (male or Female) must courageously attack a single sheep, which is always larger and heavier than itself, but must also hold its own even against the whole flock, which exercises an enormous force when pressing forward and will trample under foot any creature that falls down or does not immediately jump to one side.   The Dog must show joy and enthusiasm, devotion to duty and master, initial wariness against strange and irregular things, docility and obedience, tractability and quickness to understand.     

Thus the German Shepherd Dog was developed with a balance of physical and mental characteristics that suited the breed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and exhausting physical labor. 

Today’s German Shepherd Dog,  Works as a help to man for herding, help for the blind or handicapped, search and rescue, discovery of drugs or bombs, avalanche victims, partner  for police officers, and as a companion to man and a family pet.  

Over the years since 1899, breeders while adhering strictly to the standard for structure and temperament as set by Max von Stephanitz and maintained today by the SV, have selectively bred, creating two distinct groups; Working Dogs, and Conformation Dogs.   

Working Dogs are chosen for their strong enthusiasm for  “the work” and are most often shown in competition TRIALs,  perfecting their  Title skills to achieve a perfect score of 300 (tracking-100, obedience-100, temperament-100).   Coat color can be black, black and tan, bi-color, sable, or the familiar brown and black.

Conformation Dogs are chosen for appearance and are most often shown at COMFORMATION shows, demonstrating liveliness, high energy, stamina, and virtually perfect structure.  To compete dogs are required to have titles (females - Schutzhund 1&2, males – Schutzhund 1,2& 3) and at each show must pass a temperament test.  Coats are preferably of the familiar brown with black saddle and muzzle.

White, considered by the SV to be a genetic flaw, is excluded by both groups.